This cabinet to make a Viv out of???

[NateS]

Would like to get some thoughts. I am thinking of purchasing this TV stand (link below) to convert into a viv for my beardie. At $74.00 shipped, it isn't much more than if I was to build my own 4x2x2 and this one looks nicer than the one I could probably make.

Dimensions: 43.465"W x 24.094"D x 21.417"H
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sauder-Universal-42-TV-Stand/16607862?findingMethod=rr

If I am correct, I could make this work by:

Putting a real wood backing (already have the wood)
Gutting the inside
Adding Glass Doors and runners
Adding side and rear vents
Mount light fixtures
Silicone the creases

Can i get away with not sealing the wood on this type of unit? I would be covering the bottom in tile and the sides/back with a full rock deal using the foam and grout.

Any thoughts on this idea? I'm thinking I should be able to do the entire thing for under $200. Does that seem reasonable?

 

[EccentricME]

I am thinking if you made one your self it will last much longer than this would. Any piece of furniture I have seen from wal-mart starts sagging and falling a part in no time. If you were going to make your own and get the wood from home depot/lowes ect they will cut for you so all you would really need to do is screw it together maybe a little more work but you would still need to put the store bought one together.

 

[Esther19]

It looks to me like this has a rounded front. If so, would that complicate your plan?

 

[NateS]

The rounded front wouldn't pose a problem because I would just inset the sliding glass doors an inch or so.

That is a good point about the quality though. They have some better quality pieces (other furniture places) that have glass doors built in but they are closer to $200.

Problem is that nobody carries that melamine stuff in my area (Lowe's is all we really have). Can you recommend any other types of wood that aren't incredibly expensive but look nice? How would you finish that (since melamine is pre-finished)?

 

[bambichik39]

I used birch plywood and stained the outside to match my furniture.

 

[NateS]

What thickness did you get? 3/4"?